In This One Given Breath

By Lee Hoedl

In this one given breath, my life simply continues on.

In this one given breath, I have traveled five miles around this sphere on which I stand.

In this one given breath, I have been projected 55 miles further around our Sun.

And in this one given breath, I have aged one heartbeat... and then another... and then another...

In this one breath, somewhere another has gasped their very first breath of Life; full of vigor and potential. Their eyes open to a grand world of adventure they have yet to experience.

And in this one breath, somewhere another has struggled with their very last breath of Life; passing on to the next life. Their eyes close to a life of warm memories and weary travels.

In this one breath, I remember those that are arriving to this Life and those that are departing; reminding myself that this is similar journey on which I must travel as well. And I pray for strength.

In this one breath, somewhere a couple has wed for life; hearts are intertwined in an endless cascade of future moments. Their excitement and joy is unfathomable as a new adventure begins for the lives joined as one.

And in this one breath, somewhere a couple is separated by law or death; hearts ripped from their very mooring. Their sorrow and anxiousness is unmeasurable as a new adventure begins for the one left behind.

In this one breath, I remember those that will the strength to forge all forms of relationships and give their heart freely - in times of joy and times of sadness. And I pray for hope.

In this one breath, somewhere a word of encouragement, an arm of gratitude is raised to another. The kindness is forever stamped on the very spirit of the person - and they are blessed.

And in this one breath, somewhere a word of hatred, a fist of anger is used against another. The violence is forever scarred on the very spirit of the person - and in this moment, may they be blessed and comforted.

In this one breath, I remember those that are subtly transformed and shaped by all acts upon them, good and evil, and simply hope the good far outweighs the evil. And I pray for compassion.

In this one breath, somewhere another finds him/herself showered in praise and fortune. The warm rays of success shine down and warm the very heart that yesterday experienced the cold sting of misfortune.

And in this one breath, somewhere another finds him/herself showered in ridicule and loss. The cold breezes of misfortune blow away any sign of success worn just moments ago.

In this one breath, I remember those that encounter the fortune and misfortune of Life's journey and wish that only the silver lining, the hidden lesson, remains when the fortune is dissolved and the misfortune is resolved. And I pray for faith.

In this one given breath, I remember all these lives, all these journeys and many more. And I offer my prayer of support and celebration.

For all those given breaths that have witnessed pain and suffering, I offer my prayer of support.

For all those given breaths that have witnessed joy and resolve, I offer my prayer of celebration.

For I am all of these lives and all of these breaths.

And I pray for peace in this one given breath.

For in this one given breath, within this, my prayer, my life will continue on forever.